He attended school in Augusta and was employed by Ford Motor Company, Lorain, for more than 30 years before retiring in 1991. He was a member of St. Stephens A.M.E. Church where he served faithfully on the usher board and male chorus. He also served as an assistant to the superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a multi-faceted "jack-of-all-trades" who was notorious throughout the community for his numerous good deeds and works. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed visiting the local hospitals and nursing homes on a weekly basis to pray and fellowship with the sick and shut-in. Claude was indeed a faithful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend. He always had an encouraging word and endearing smile for everyone whom he encountered.